‘Don’t Call Me Angel’ sees Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey teaming up to provide the soundtrack to this year’s new film – which technically isn’t a reboot or a remake of the franchise, but a continuation of the original TV series and the 2000s films.

The new clip was directed by Hannah Lux Davis, who has frequently collaborated with Grande in the past, directing the videos for her ‘7 Rings’ and ‘Thank U, Next’ hits.

In the four-minute clip, the trio of pop stars are cast as the members of a crime-fighting dream team, not unlike Charlie’s Angels themselves.

Tying the whole thing to the movie from which it is taken is a cameo from Elizabeth Banks, who not only stars in the new movie, but directs it too.

You can watch the new video below:

What is Charlie’s Angels about?

The film marks the second time behind the camera for Elizabeth Banks (she previously directed 2015’s Pitch Perfect 2), and sees a new cast of faces stepping into the shoes of characters last played by Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu in 2003.

In the new film, the Townsend Agency has expanded internationally, recruiting the smartest, most fearless and highly-trained women from all over the globe.

There are now multiple teams of Angels guided by multiple ‘Bosleys’ (we’ll see at least three in the new movie, and director Banks plays one of them), completing the toughest missions across the globe.

The mission at the centre of the new film involves a young systems engineer, who blows the whistle on a technology that could revolutionise the energy industry.

But if that same technology were to fall into the wrong hands, it could be weaponised, and would prove dangerous to the entire world.

The Angels are called into action to stop that from happening, putting their lives on the line to protect us all in an action-packed comedy.

Who stars in it?

(Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing)

The three Angels are played by Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) and British actress Ella Balinska.

They’re not actually the same Angels as depicted by Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu in the series’ two previous films, but instead all new characters.

Elsewhere on the cast, Elizabeth Banks steps out from behind the camera to play a Bosley, Djimon Hounsou (Shazam!) is another Bosley, and Sir Patrick Stewart is a third.

Then there’s Noah Centineo (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) as Langston, and Mexican actor Luis Gerardo Méndez playing The Saint.

Outlander’s Sam Claflin, Jonathan Tucker, Chris Pang and Nat Faxon have also been cast, though their roles remain undisclosed.

When can I watch it?

Charlie’s Angels will be released in UK cinemas on Friday 29 November 2019.

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In the annual battle between footballing video games PES and FIFA, the latter often wins out in many fans’ eyes thanks to its cornucopia of licenses which allow EA Sports’ game to present a more lifelike version of the beautiful game.

Real world teams, stadiums, players, and kits are all present and correct in FIFA games, while PES players often have to settle for facsimile teams like the London Blues (Chelsea).

Unlike the Goodwood Festival of Speed – which brings classic vehicles and futuristic supercars together to celebrate not just the past, but the present and future of car racing – Revival is all about classic cars.

Exclusively showcasing the kind of motors that would have once raced around the track during its original incarnation (1948–1966), Goodwood Revival is a three-day festival of both motor-racing and all things vintage held each September at the legendary circuit.

Tickets for this year’s event have sold out, but you can still get involved. Here’s how:

What should I wear?

As the festival is an open-air event, casual clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended, and the changeable spirit of the British weather makes it a good idea to always have some rainproof clothing to hand.

For those who plan on making use of the corporate hospitality pavilions, however, smart-casual dress is expected.

Most people dress in period clothes to reflect the era the classic cars are taken from.

This is not mandatory, but each day at 3pm, the Revival panel of fashion experts choose the people with the finest outfits, with this short-list invited to take part in the daily Best Dressed Competition.

For those who would like to be inspired, you can book a hair or makeup appointment at one of the Betty’s Salons located on site, and gents can finish their look at the Goodwood Barbers, located next to Earls Court.

You don’t have to wear vintage clothing, but you might look a bit out of place if you don’t!

Will there be food?

At Goodwood Revival there’s a range of options across the site where you can refuel.

From more formal restaurants, to food stands where you can grab a delicious quick bite to eat or order a luxury picnic hamper, there’s something to suit every itinerary.

Catering stands will be offering everything from sandwiches, burgers and pasties to street food and baked goods.

“Guests will never be far from a PG Tips tea shed” say the organisers, and there are well-stocked bars on site, many selling Goodwood’s own beer and ale.

How do I watch the live stream?

Even though tickets for the event have sold out, car enthusiasts can still get in on the action with Goodwood Revival’s official live stream.

The stream will be showcasing the most exciting events from the three days, so you won’t miss a moment, even from the comfort of your favourite armchair.

The whole thing is available for free through YouTube.

How do I get there?

Goodwood is located just outside Chichester, only 60 miles from London, and 30 miles from Brighton and Southampton.

There is a regular train service from London Victoria to Chichester (1 hour 40 minutes), plus the coastal service from Brighton and Portsmouth. Full details can be found on the Trainline website.

Buses or taxis are available at Chichester Station.

Information on the best route to take for those driving to the festival can be found on the festival’s website.

Where can I stay?

(Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images)

Since 2014, Goodwood has provided a family campsite, allowing families to book a 9m x 7m plot.

The site provides an electric hook-up, family-friendly toilets, baby change, and shower facilities and is located in the Lennox enclosure at Goodwood Racecourse, a short walk from the main event.

It also features a children’s play area, 24-hour security, on-site catering and access to a walk-in fridge to store chilled items free of charge.

For those not looking to camp, the area also boasts plenty of hotel options, including the circuit’s own Goodwood Hotel, which can be booked on the festival’s website.

However, the local hotels are usually booked up months in advance of the festival, so you’re best to make reservations well ahead of time.

Why is Goodwood famous?

Opening originally in September 1948, the Goodwood Motor Circuit played host to Britain’s first post-war racing meet.

It was founded by Freddie March, the ninth Duke of Richmond and a renowned amateur racer.

Having been starved of racing action since the war broke out, spectators turned up in their thousands to see some 85 drivers compete.

(Photo: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)

18 years later, in August 1966, Goodwood Motor Circuit announced that it would no longer be playing host to contemporary motor racing, which rounded up a rich chapter in British motorsport history.

However, this was not the end: in 1993, the Duke of Richmond’s grandson brought racing back to Goodwood by establishing the Festival of Speed.

The Duke himself rode out in the same Bristol 400 his grandfather had driven all those years ago at the circuit’s first ever racing meet.

Revival has taken place since 1998, and features Grand Prix cars from the 1950s and 60s, sports and GT cars, as well as historic saloon cars. Many of the important historic racing cars are driven by famous names from motorsport past and present, as well as celebrities.

No modern vehicles are allowed within the circuit perimeter throughout the weekend.

Friday 13 is spooky enough already, but this year a Harvest full moon will accompany the superstitious day.

Although it’s the ninth full moon of 2019, this one will be smaller than average.

It will appear to be 14 per cent smaller, making it a ‘micromoon’.

That’s because the moon – our planet’s only natural satellite – actually follows an elliptical orbit around the Earth.

This means that at certain points on its egg-shaped path, it can be further away, or closer to us – a differential of about 30,000 miles.

The closest point is called the perigee, and the furthest is the apogee. When a full moon falls on the perigee, it appears far bigger and brighter in the sky and becomes known as a supermoon.

A ‘micromoon’ is the opposite of the ‘supermoon’, and occurs when the moon is as far away from the Earth as it can get.

What is a Harvest Moon?

A Harvest Moon happens just before the Autumn Equinox, which signals the start of a new season, and the name is linked to a lag time between moonrise and sunset at this time of year.

But don’t be expecting any major changes in the appearance of the moon. While it may appear to be neglibly smaller in the night sky, it will still retain the usual colour and brightness of a regular full moon.

The show gives past winners and finalists of the worldwide talent show franchise a chance to be crowned the ultimate champion, with the promise of exciting new routines and the transformations of acts like Connie Talbot (who was just six when she appeared on BGT for the first time).

Over six weeks, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and David Walliams will decide which act they want to see again in the final before handing it over to the audience who will pick the second act.

But who is Jones? When did he first appear on BGT, and what has he been up to since?

Who is Richard Jones?

Born in Leytonstone in 1990, 28-year old Jones grew up in Chigwell, Essex before joining the British Army in 2010 and studying for a year at the Royal Military School of Music.

He spent three years with the Parachute Regiment band, before being posted to the band of the Household Cavalry in 2014 as a mounted dutyman.

Even before taking to the bright lights in front of the judges for the first time, Jones had been on TV, appearing as a contestant on The Chase just a month before BGT kicked off.

Jones became the first magician ever to win BGT in 2016, with a performance that included a tribute to the Forces, and telling the story of a 97 year old war veteran with a card trick

His connection to the Army was always likely to get the ITV audience on side, and just a month after his win, Lance Corporal Jones performed as a bandsman in the Trooping the Colour, as part of the 90th birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II.

Since then, he’s had his own shown on ITV – Operation Magic – and toured the UK with his magic show Power of Imagination.

Jones’ career really took off when he toured Butlins holiday camps during half terms and summer holidays throughout 2018.

From Matilda to The Twits, Esio Trot to The Witches, Dahl produced some genuine classics over his lifetime.

But what if you’re strapped for free time and can only afford to watch the film versions of his beloved tales?

We’ve rounded up the best movie based on Dahl’s books and where you can stream or rent them today.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

(Image: 20th Century Fox)

What is it? Arguably the best Dahl adaptation going (though older viewers fond of the films that preceded it might disagree), Wes Anderson’s take on the plucky fox who outwits the local farmers to steal food from right under their noses is a mash-up of two creative minds.

How can I watch it? Fantastic Mr. Fox is available to stream through Amazon Prime Video.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

(Photo: Warner Bros.)

What is it? This musical take on the confectionery classic remains an engaging, slightly surreal visualisation of Dahl’s mind, complete with chocolate rivers, Violet Beauregarde’s blueberry inflation, and a forward-thinking rumination on ‘teleportation’.

How can I watch it? Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is available to rent through Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, Sky Store, and YouTube for £3.49.

The Witches

(Photo: Warner Bros.)

What is it? How The Witches hasn’t been re-evaluated to a rating higher than its current PG is beyond us – the film traumatised children with the reveal of the “true” face of Angelica Huston’s hideous Grand High Witch – and the 1990 adaptation remains one of the more terrifying adaptation’s of Dahl’s oeuvre.

How can I watch it? The Witches is available to stream through Netflix.

Matilda

(Photo: TriStar Pictures)

What is it? Another fine example of Dahl’s stories shining on the big screen, Matilda is a revenge story of sorts about a young genius who develops psychokinetic abilities and uses them to deal with her disreputable family and the tyrannical principal of Crunchem Hall Elementary School. An inspiration for brainy kids everywhere.

How can I watch it? Matilda is available to stream through Netflix, Now TV, Amazon Prime, and Sky Go.

James and the Giant Peach

(Photo: Walt Disney Studios)

What is it? This charming 1996 animation features Susan Sarandon, the late Pete Postlethwaite, and Simon Callow among its voice cast, and retells Dahl’s story of a young orphan who enters a gigantic, magical peach, and has a surreal cross-world adventure with the garden bugs he meets.

How can I watch it? James and the Giant Peach is available to rent through Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, and YouTube for £3.49.

The BFG

(Image: Disney)

What is it? Steven Spielberg’s visually stunning adaptation of the story of the Big Friendly Giant unfortunately under performed at the box office, despite critical success. Don’t let that put you off though; the film’s motion capture effects make for a good-natured, must-see family-friendly adventure.

How can I watch it? The BFG is available to rent through Amazon Video, Apple iTunes and Sky Store.

Who stars in it?

As yet, casting details for the new film are unknown, so it’s not clear whether Millie or her sister will be appearing in the movie.

They will be taking an active role behind the scenes at least, with both serving as producers.

“It is a genuine thrill to witness Millie bring her distinct vision to the screen, now as a writer and producer, alongside her sister on this wonderful film” said Netflix’s vice president of independent film and documentary features, Lisa Nishimura.

“Millie is an extraordinary creative talent. We’ve been lucky to have her in our family from the beginning of her career.”

When can I watch it?

There’s no word yet on when A Time Lost may be available on Netflix, but don’t expect it to be released until mid 2020 at the earliest.

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Cult singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston has died at the age of 58, his family have announced in a statement.

The artist “passed away of natural causes” at his home in Texas.

Johnston influenced countless alternative artists from the early 90s onward, most notably Kurt Cobain who described him as “the best songwriter on earth.”

His songs have been covered by acts like Beck, Pearl Jam, The Flaming Lips, Teenage Fanclub, and Mercury Rev.

Who was Daniel Johnston?

Johnston was born in California in 1961, but was raised in West Virginia.

It wouldn’t be until he moved to Texas that he would become known as a songwriter, making a name for himself in the city of Austin by handing out tapes of his home recordings between shifts at McDonald’s.

He gained wider exposure when MTV came to town, filming a piece on the Austin music scene for its series The Cutting Edge in 1985.

His performance on the show brought Johnston near instantaneous acclaim, and his recordings – once consigned to a life on cassette – were re-released on vinyl by Homestead records.

(Photo: ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images)

You could never call Johnston’s guitar playing – nor his signing – technical, but that was what drew fans in; a hard-to-replicate sincerity, delivering almost childlike songs as fragile as his delicate mental state.

Johnston famously battled a cavalcade of mental health issues throughout his career, spending extended periods in psychiatric institutions and being diagnosed with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

What are his best songs?

Johnston’s sixth album Hi, How Are You? is arguably his most famous, its hand-drawn alien artwork made famous when Kurt Cobain wore a t-shirt bearing the cover to the 1992 MTV Awards.

Johnston claims he was in the midst of a nervous breakdown while recording it, and called it his “unfinished album.”

But the artwork is perhaps more known than the music contained within, a while it makes for an iconic t-shirt, it is Johnston’s 11th album 1990 (released in the same year) that is considered the ‘best’ by fans.

Originally intended to be a full studio album, Johnston’s ongoing battles with his mental health meant he was unable to complete an record’s worth of sessions, and so the album is compiled from studio recordings, home recordings and live performances.

It contains songs such as ‘Some Things Last a Long Time’ and ‘Devil Town’, the former covered extensively by acts like Built to Spill, Beach House and even Andrea Corr.

Other Johnston classics include tracks like ‘True Love Will Find You in the End’ (also from 1990), ‘Walking The Cow’ from Hi, How Are You?, and his dark take on ‘Casper The Friendly Ghost’ from 1983 album, Yip/Jump Music.

Where can I watch The Devil and Daniel Johnston?

(Photo: ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images)

2005 documentary film The Devil and Daniel Johnston serves as a fine documentation of Johnston’s life, and is regarded as one of the best music docs ever made.

The film chronicles the artist’s life from childhood to the present day, and focuses on his experiences with bipolar disorder and his struggles with what he described as a “demonic” self-obsession.

You can watch The Devil and Daniel Johnston through Sundance Now, the official streaming service of the Sundance Film Festival, where The Devil and Daniel Johnston won the Documentary Directing Award in 2005.

To access Sundance Now, you’ll first need to be a subscriber to Amazon Prime. After that, you can add a Sundance Now subscription to your package for an extra £5.99 a month.

Fans may be eagerly counting down the days until they can get their hands on this year’s iteration of the famed series, but already they’ll be making plans for their dream squads in career mode.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the 20 fastest players in the world right now (according to ratings leaked on Futwiz).

Your mind might instantly go to some of the most famous players in the world when considering pace machines, but while this list does see a few Premier League stars, lower leagues from across the world are well represented too.

Where there are multiple players with the same Pace stat (for instance, there are more players ranked at 94 than we could fit on this list) we’ve ranked them in order of their overall stat first.

Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) – 96 PACE

OVR: 89

Not only the best under-21 player in the game, Mbappe is also the fastest in the game. But you knew that already, the Frenchman has been one of the paciest players on Earth for a couple of years now.

Adama Traoré (Wolves) – 96 PACE

OVR: 74

The casual fan may see a Wolves players’ inclusion in the same space as Mbappe and above other pace machines like Sane and Aubameyang as something of a surprise.

Wolves fans have known the ex-Barcelona man is a quick one ever since 2018 though.

Leroy Sané (Manchester City) – 95 PACE

OVR: 86

Sané is one of the world’s fastest wingers, and his nabbed his fair share of Manchester City goals after blasting past the opposition defence.

Gelson Martins (AS Monaco) – 95 PACE

(Photo: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

OVR: 82

Martins’ abilities as a winger on both side of the pitch, as well as his versatility in a right-back role, mark him as one of the best (and fastest) players to never have played in the Premier League.

The Portuguese player is only 24 though, so there’s still time.

Kensuke Nagai (FC Tokyo) – 95 PACE

OVR: 69

The Japanese striker spent five years in Brazil from the age of three, where he started playing street football with his childhood friends.

That’s likely where he picked up some of his blistering pace, and even at the ripe old age (in footballing terms) of 30, Nagai is the fastest player in the Eastern hemisphere.

Anibal Chalá (Toluca) – 95 PACE

OVR: 66

A relative unknown (FIFA’s database doesn’t even have a headshot of the Ecuadorian listed) with average stats elsewhere, if you’re looking for a speedy defender, you could do worse than this left-back.

Chalá is faster than some of the best players in the world.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) – 94 PACE

OVR: 88

Not only known for his pace, Arsenal star Aubameyang also has it where it counts in the finishing and off-ball movement departments.

He can also play as striker and a wide forward, so has a number of routes through and around even the strongest defence.

Sadio Mané (Liverpool) – 94 PACE

(Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

OVR: 88

Earlier in 2019, Mané made the 10 man shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, and has bagged nearly 50 goals for Liverpool since 2016.

Douglas Costa (Piemonte Calcio) – 94 PACE

OVR: 84

Dribbling skills and a wicked crossing ability round out Costa’s impressive skillset, and the (whisper it) Juventus winger also has above average FIFA stats in shooting and passing.

One to keep an eye on.

Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – 94 PACE

OVR: 82

Athletic Bilbao forward Williams is definitely one for aspiring FIFA managers to make a note of.

With an 80 in shooting and dribbling, and 82 for physicality, the Spaniard is a great all rounder who could prove to be a key player in your team.

Ismaila Sarr (Watford) – 94 PACE

OVR: 78

Narrowly missing out on our round-up of the best young players in the game by just a few months, Watford newcomer Ismaila Sarr has already proven himself worthy of the adoration of the Vicarage Road faithful.

His dribbling and shooting skills are also on form, and he could no doubt become a club favourite for both Watford and your FUT team in the months and years to come.

Frank Acheampong (Tianjin Teda) – 94 PACE

(Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

OVR: 77

The faster player to currently play in the Chinese Super League, Ghanaian Frank Acheampong has netted goals in almost half of all his goals played for Tianjin Teda since 2017.

Above average stats here also for shooting, dribbling and physicality.

Luis Advincula (Rayo Vallecano) – 94 PACE

OVR: 74

Quick and offensive right-back Advincula can also play as a right winger, and once recorded a top speed of 22.5 mph during a game.

Not bad at all.

Jurgen Damm (Tigres UANL) – 94 PACE

OVR: 74

According to a study conducted by Mexican club Pachuca, and backed by FIFA, Damm is the fastest player in the world, able to reach 22.57 mph while running with the ball.

His FIFA stat for pace may disagree, but the Mexican-German dual national also has the footwork ability to see him into any first team.

Daniel James (Manchester United) – 94 PACE

OVR: 72

He’s only in his first season at Old Trafford, but James made an immediate impact when he came on as a substitute during United’s first game of the season to net his first goal for the club (their fourth past Chelsea on that occasion).

At just 21, James will no doubt become a formidable member of the United first team over his five-year contract.

Tom Barkhuizen (Preston North End) – 94 PACE

(Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

OVR: 71

You might not expect one of the paciest players in the world to be honing their craft at Preston North End, but here we are; Tom Barkhuizen is a key member of PNE’s squad.

Kim In Seong (Ulsan Hyundai) – 94 PACE

OVR: 71

Kim In Seong’s stats in other areas (and his age, he’s 30) might undermine his pace, but the South Korean still has it in spades when it comes to speed.

He’ll likely be extremely cheap too, so if you’re looking for a reliable sub to bolster your lead in the late game, here’s a man for you.

Kekuta Manneh (FC Cincinnati) – 94 PACE

OVR: 68

The fastest player to currently play in MLS, Kekuta Manneh remains relatively young, so will likely improve over the next season or two with the right guidance behind him.

Jonas Aguirre (Rosario Central) – 94 PACE

(Photo: ITAMAR AGUIAR/AFP/Getty Images)

OVR: 68

Jonas Aguirre has seemingly struggled to get a game wherever he’s gone over his nine-year senior career, but has the potential to be a real pace master in the right squad.

Cristian Bărbuț (Universitatea Craiova) – 94 PACE

OVR: 68

Romanian Cristian Bărbuț is a pacey right-winger who looks like he could just need a little bit more of crucial experience to really realise his full potential.

Death Stranding – the next PlayStation 4 title from Japanese gaming auteur Hideo Kojima – has been shown off in-depth at the Tokyo Games Show, with nearly an hour of new footage debuting in Japan.

Kojima himself played through the game (and he plans to do the same on Saturday, so look out for even more new footage then), showing off how the bizarre new title might actually play.

Exploration, combat and vehicle riding were all seen in the new footage, and here’s everything you need to know about Death Stranding:

What is Death Stranding?

In typical Hideo Kojima fashion, we’re not entirely sure.

Multiple lengthy trailers have been released for the game, each giving us gameplay footage as well as a taste of the cinematic awe Death Stranding is likely to deliver, but they’ve left more question than answers.

What we do know, is that it’s the next game from Kojima – creator of the Metal Gear Solid series of stealth games, one of the most influential video game franchises of all time – and his first since a less than amicable departure from Japanese developer Konami, under which he had been developing games for nearly 30 years.

Under the independent banner of Kojima Productions, the game director is afforded even more freedom to see his creative vision come to fruition.

Bear in mind that Kojima’s previous blockbuster games already had their fare share of oddball moments, so to see him branch out with even more room to breathe is an exciting prospect for fans.

That gives the game some context, but what is actually about, and how will players be able to interact with its world?

What happens in the game?

You play as Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus), attempting to bridge the divides in society (Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment)

The premise of Death Stranding is a little hard to wrap your head around, so it’s best left up to Kojima himself to explain.

“People have created ‘Walls’ and become accustomed to living in isolation,” he said in a post on the PlayStation blog.

“As Sam Porter Bridges, you will attempt to bridge the divides in society, and in doing create new bonds or ‘Strands’ with other players around the globe.

“[The game] is created so that all elements, including the story and gameplay, are bound together by the theme of the ‘Strand’ or connection.”

How will it play?

The game is being labelled as an action game, but Kojima has been quick to point out that his first game – 1987’s Metal Gear – was originally mistakenly called an action game.

It’s now known as a stealth game, but only since it laid the foundations for that genre.

“Death Stranding is a completely new type of action game,” said Kojima; in a year’s time, we might be calling Death Stranding something very different.

When an Instagram user asked “is this a movie or a video game?”, voice actor Troy Baker replied, “nah, brother. This is a whole NEW thing.”

The game takes place in an open world (Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment)

In yet more typically verbose language, Kojima used a short story by Japanese writer Kōbō Abe to explain some of the game’s larger ideas.

That story tells of the first tool created by humans; a stick meant to offer protection by creating distance between oneself and “bad things”.

The second tool was a rope, used to secure things one might find important.

“Most of your tools in action games are sticks,” Kojima told IGN. “You punch or you shoot or you kick. The communication is always through these ‘sticks.’ In [Death Stranding], I want people to be connected not through sticks, but through what would be the equivalent of ropes.

“Through your experience playing the game, I hope you’ll come to understand the true importance of forging connections with others,” he said.

The game appears to be played from a third person perspective, and looks to be set in an open world, and the more recent trailer shed some light on the core gameplay.

Giant, extendable ladders are just one of the ways you’ll navigate the world (Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment)

“The goal of the player is to reconnect isolated cities and a fragmented society,” Kojima has said, and we see an intrepid explorer navigating the world through the use of giant extendable ladders (to reach high spots), and place-able rope tethers (to abseil down from them).

There’ll be stealth elements as you sneak by enemies in hazmat suits, and if you alert their attention, you’ll have to engage in hard-hitting hand-to-hand combat to fend them off.

So far, so standard video game fare. But it gets weirder than that.

When the player dies, it’s not game over. They’re instead taken to an alternate reality, an upside-down world submerged in water where the view switches to first-person. Because of Sam’s abilities, you can wander outside of your body in this state to recover dropped items.

“At that point, you’re not dead or alive,” Kojima told IGN. “It’s the equivalent of that screen that says ‘Continue?’ and a counter ticking down towards zero.

“Death will never pull you out of the game.”

The game also introduces ‘Timefall’, a mysterious rain that has the ability to manipulate time, making plants grow and wilt, and human bodies age and deteriorate in a matter of seconds.

Who stars in it?

Death Stranding features a blockbuster cast of famous faces, which have all been transplanted into the game in incredibly lifelike detail through face scanning and motion capture.

The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus is the star here, portraying protagonist Sam, but the game also features Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Léa Seydoux (Spectre), The Shape of Water director Guillermo del Toro, and Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn.

They were introduced to make the early stage of each Battle Royale match a little more exciting for less experienced players, giving them an overpowered tool needed to get maybe a little bit further into each round than perhaps they may have done previously.

Their introduction has caused controversy, with veteran players saying the vehicles ruin the pace of the game.

Epic has been tinkering with the vehicles ever since, and each weekly update seems to bring with it a new tweak.

It’s no different this week, and in v10.30, the B.R.U.T.E.’s Stomp attacks now deals consistent damage to other vehicles (previously they would deal either double or triple damage to other vehicles).

Their inclusion in the patch notes also confirms they won’t be leaving the game (at least not this week), as they once rumoured to do.

(Image: Epic Games)

What’s new in Creative mode?

Four new Creative mode Prefabs allow you to show off your allegiance to good or evil.

Vending machines make their long awaited debut in Creative, allowing you to set and customise the items they dispense to match your game.

The new Class Devices also allow you to customise your game further, offering a highly configurable set of devices that allow you to create your own player classes with unique traits.

What else is new?

Aside from the big new content additions, this week’s patch contains all the usual bug fixes and gameplay tweaks, designed to refine Fortnite’s gameplay experience even further.

Fans may be eagerly counting down the days until they can get their hands on this year’s iteration of the famed series, but already they’ll be making plans for their dream squads in career mode.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the best young players (according to ratings leaked on Futwiz).

These are the players (under 21) showing real promise at a young age, who could go on to be major players in the game with a few more years of experience, and a few more games under their boots.

Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) – 89 OVR

Age: 20

If you can afford him – the striker is one of the most promising young stars in the world right now, and is a key player for both PSG and the French national side – Mbappe is a no-brainer for inserting into your squad.

Key stats include a 96 for pace, and 90 for dribbling skills.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan) – 85 OVR

Age: 20

The best young goalkeeper in the game began his Serie A career in 2015 at the age of just 16. Donnarumma’s the second-youngest goalkeeper to ever debut in the league, and immediately broke into AC Milan’s starting line-up.

Key stats here are a 90 in both diving and reflexes.

Matthijs de Ligt (Piemonte Calcio) – 85 OVR

In the real world, the 20-year-old is one of the world’s most promising defenders. He’s the youngest player to start for the Dutch national team since 1931, and the first defender to win the Golden Boy award for young European footballers.

Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund) – 84 OVR

(Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Age: 19

The best young English player in this year’s FIFA, winger Sancho signed his first senior contract with Dortmund in 2017.

It only took until his second season for him to establish himself as a first-team regular, and he was named in the 2018–19 Bundesliga Team of the Season.

88 for pace and 90 for dribbling are not to be sniffed at.

Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen) – 84 OVR

Age: 20

Upon making his debut for Leverkusen in 2016, midfielder Havertz became the club’s youngest ever debutant in the Bundesliga, and their youngest ever goalscorer when he scored his first goal the following year.

In 2018, he became the youngest player to reach 50 Bundesliga appearances.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – 83 OVR

Age: 20

The Liverpool and England right-back has impressive figures across the board in this year’s game (though his shooting could do with some improvement).

With over 80 club appearances, Alexander-Arnold has won Liverpool’s young player of the season award in both 2017 and 2018, and is the youngest-ever player to start in two consecutive Champions League finals.

Joao Felix (Atlético Madrid) – 80 OVR

Age: 19

Listed officially as a centre-forward in game, Felix has also found success in the real-world as both a winger and an attacking midfielder, making him a great, versatile player.

You might want to save your pennies for this one though – Atlético Madrid signed him for a club record transfer worth £113 million, the second highest amount ever paid for a teenager.

Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) – 79 OVR

(Photo: JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)

Age: 19

This Brazilian forward is too young to have made it to the national team just yet, but based on his performances in the U15, 17 (where he scored 19 goals in 17 games) and 20 teams, when he gets there it’ll be a revelation.

His £40 million transfer to Real Madrid was a national record for an under 18 player, and with an in-game pace of 93, he’ll no doubt be challenging the likes of Mbappe in a few short years.

Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) – 79 OVR

Age: 20

FIFA 20’s best young American player is Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic, a man who is already being tipped as one of the most talented American players ever back home.

Pulisic moved to Chelsea in a transfer worth £59 million, making him the most expensive American player of all time, and the youngest person to appear and score in a World Cup Qualifier for the United States.

Alban Lafont (Nantes) – 79 OVR

Age: 20

Another goalkeeper with a long, successful career ahead of him, Lafont is currently on loan to Nantes from Fiorentina.

When he made his debut for previous club Toulouse in 2015, he became the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in Ligue 1, and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club.

Achraf Hakimi (Borussia Dortmund) – 79 OVR

Age: 20

On loan from Real Madrid, Achraf mainly plays as a right-back, though he can also play as a left-back or central defender, making him another versatile youngster.

Achraf made his international debut for Morocco when he was just 17, and two years later, he was named in Morocco’s final 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Ibrahima Konate (RB Leipzig) – 79 OVR

(Photo: HASAN BRATIC/AFP/Getty Images)

Age: 20

The French centre-back is destined to be one of his country’s most exciting young players when he finally gets to the national squad (he’s appeared in just every iteration of the country’s youth teams).

He’s been with German club Leipzig since 2017, where he’s wracked up around 50 appearances, and even a goal for the Bundesliga club.

Dan-Axel Zagadou (Borussia Dortmund) – 79 OVR

Age: 20

Another French centre-back capturing the footballing world’s attention, Zagadou had it all laid out for him when he signed for PSG at the tender age of 12.

He spent five seasons developing in PSG’s academy before Borussia Dortmund signed him on a free in 2017.

His first league goal for the club also came with his first red card in the 59th minute, and with an 80 in both defending and physical, Zagadou is a rough and ready player who will be served extremely well by experience.

Martin Ødegaard (Real Sociedad) – 78 OVR

Age: 20

Passing (82) and dribbling (84) are the areas of promise with this Norwegian central midfielder (who can also fill the role of a central midfielder), and a 74 for pace keeps him on the nippier side of things.

Ødegaard made his international debut in 2014, becoming the youngest debutant for Norway’s senior team at the age of 15 years and 253 days, and is the youngest player to feature in a qualifying match for the UEFA European Championship.

Declan Rice (West Ham) – 77 OVR

Age: 20

Signed to Chelsea’s academy at just seven years of age, West Ham’s centre back may be the only player on this list to have played for two senior national sides.

Paternal grandparents qualify him a place in the Ireland squad (where he’s earned three caps), though a renewed allegiance to England has football fans on this side of the Irish Sea watching with keen interest.

Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig) – 77 OVR

(Photo: ROBERT MICHAEL/AFP/Getty Images)

Age: 20

Upamecano currently plays as a central defender for RB Leipzig, but he’s sure to be jumping ship when his four-and-a-half year deal is up in a couple of years.

European clubs said to be interested in the Frenchman include Manchester United, and having been shortlisted for the 2018 Golden Boy award, his name will be on the lips of many a manager in the years to come.

Exequiel Palacios (Núñez) – 77 OVR

Age: 20

Núñez – FIFA 20’s version of Argentinian powerhouse River Plate after PES 2020 got its hands on the club license – have a key player in midfielder Palacios, who could become a household star if he ever finds himself under the bright lights of a the Premier League.

At just 20, his well documented mishaps off the pitch would be cause for concern in the real world, but that shouldn’t affect your Career Mode decisions.

Gedson Fernandes (Benfica) – 76 OVR

Age: 20

The Portuguese midfielder posts great all-round stats in this year’s game, and with recent call-ups to the senior national side, more experience playing in big games will only help solidify Fernandes’ skills.

Florentino (Benfica) – 76 OVR

Age: 20

The title of FIFA 20’s best young player known by a single name might be a dubious honour, but defensive midfielder Florentino is one you’ll want to get into your side.

A product of Benfica’s youth system, the Portuguese player only scored his first goal for the side in March of this year. Expect it to be the first of many more to come.

Malang Sarr (Nice) – 76 OVR

Age: 20

20-year-old centre-back Malang Sarr joined Nice at the age of six, 14 years ago, and has been playing for the senior side since 2016.

His first goal for the club in August 2016 at the age of 17 made him the second youngest player to ever score on debut in Ligue 1, and he was named the world’s fifth-most promising footballer under the age of 20 last year.

With Downton Abbey making its debut in cinemas this weekend, the ITV drama is once again on the lips of fans.

The movie is dividing critics on both sides of the pond, with reviewers calling it everything from “quite enjoyable” to “nothing more than an extended Christmas special”, with many asking, “does this really deserved to be in cinemas?”

The Downton Abbey movie is not a true story, but it is inspired by real life events.

Writer Julian Fellowes has said he needed a central story that would bind everyone together for the film, and he just so happened to be reading about a trip King George took with his wife in 1912 to Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire.

Fellows told Vanity Fair: “Downton is also in Yorkshire, and so it seemed to me quite a good parallel, that the servants and the family would be equally as excited about.”

“In a film, every story has to be resolved within that film, and you want a unifying bond in a film—so it isn’t too scattered in its focus.

“That’s what the royal visit has provided us—an event that involves everyone in the house.

Where is Downton Abbey filmed?

Highclere Castle in Hampshire (just over 20 miles south-west of Reading) stands in for the Abbey in the show, granting producers decadent exterior shots of its Jacobean architecture – set in 1000 acres of parkland – as well as grand interiors in which the characters interact.

Another first series story tells of a Turkshish diplomat who dies in Lady Mary’s bed after a romantic encounter; the women of the house then have to return his body to his own bed in the middle of the night.

According to Fellowes, the story was inspired by a great aunt of one of his friends, who chronicled a similar story of a diplomat secretly entering the room of a single lady, only to die in the middle of the night and have to be carried back into his room, in a diary entry.

To coincide with the announcement of the tour, all three bands released brand new singles.

Green Day debuted ‘Father Of All…’, the lead track from their 13th studio album of the same name, which is set for release on 7 February 2020.

Fall Out Boy – who are releasing a best of collection titled ‘Greatest Hits: Believers Never Die – Volume Two’ in November – premiered their new single ‘Future Self (Hands Up)’, which features Wyclef Jean of all people.

Weezer – whose first two albums The Blue Album and Pinkerton remain some of the finest indie-rock records around – released ‘The End of the Game’, which will be included on their 14th studio album Van Weezer – due out in May 2020.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets for The Hella Mega Tour will go sale on 20 September from 10am.

Fans can get tickets earlier by signing up to their favourite band’s mailing list.

A pre-sale for Green Day begins on Monday 16 September through their webstore at 10am; those signed up to their mailing list will have access to tickets from 11am on the same day.

Those signed up to Fall Out Boy and Weezer’s mailing lists will gain access to tickets at 10am on 16 September.

PES’ name change is quite jarring, especially considering that Pro Evolution Soccer is a name synonymous with video game football. Why change it?

The decision to stick ‘eFootball’ in front of the famous acronym was taken in an effort to reflect the game’s increased focus on eSports, the competitive playing of video games in high-profile events and tournaments.

So, the game’s official full title now features two words for the same sport, and is quite the mouthful: eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer 2020.

“PES 2020 ushers in a new decade of industry-leading football simulation with a bold promise to revolutionise eFootball and introduce the sport to a global audience,” said Konami.

“The PES series continues its dedicated pursuit of realism, taking consideration of fan feedback to bring several impactful changes that instils every moment of play with a sense of complete freedom and control.”

How does the new Master League work?

The Master League mode has been a fan favourite of the PES series for a few years now, but with this year’s installment, Konami are making a few changes.

Often described as a ‘must play’, Master League is PES’ own managerial career mode, letting players create and manage their own teams with the aim of becoming the strongest squad in the league.

You’ll be able to manage as Diego Maradona in this year’s revamped Master League mode (Image: Konami)

Konami are promising “huge” changes with this year’s release, “headlined by a powerful new interactive dialogue system that puts the reins firmly in players hands when it comes to controlling story progression.”

“This will enable players to choose responses that suit their personality,” they said, “to drive progression and create their own personal Master League story. ”

The game’s transfer market is also getting a brand-new algorithm, ensuring that transfers, fees, salaries and other elements are “in close alignment with reality.”

Players will also be able to create and customise sponsorship logos for their teams’ kits, create their own manager model (you can make “individuals of varying body shapes and sizes” according to Konami), or play through the mode using a legendary manager like Zico, Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona.

What is Matchday mode?

Debuting in this year’s game is new mode Matchday, which “lifts players out of the spectator stands and puts them onto the pitch”, according to Konami.

“Matchday distils the essence of football culture into a competitive format,” they said. At the start of each weekly event, players will align themselves with one of two different sides, and will then work together with other players to build an advantage for their side ahead of the Grand Final.

Points are accumulated through the playing of matches, where every perfectly placed pass and show-stopping goal unleashed contributes towards victory.

The new Matchday mode sees players working together for their chosen side (Image: Konami)

As the week comes to an end, the results from all of the Group Matches played are analysed to find the best performing user from each side, who are then selected as Representatives and given the right to compete in the Grand Final on behalf of their team.

This game will be fully viewable via a livestream feed in the mode. No pressure then.

As is the case with previous year’s instalments, PES 2020 brings a number of new tweaks and improvements to the beautiful game.

“Numerous significant changes have been made to PES 2020 as a direct result of fan feedback,” said Konami, including upgraded trapping mechanics and techniques, context-sensitive kick accuracy, more realistic defence, and the addition of the intentional foul.

The developers have this year implemented an “adaptive player interaction system” that recreates player personalities on the pitch, and introduced enhanced lighting and improved player models to make the game of football just that little bit more beautiful.

Who’s on the cover?

The cover star of this year’s game will be Lionel Messi, who appears on the front of the Standard Edition of the game for the first time since 2011.

(Image: Konami)

“I am very happy to be on the cover of eFootball PES 2020,” said the Barcelona forward. “Since I was a little kid, I have always looked forward to seeing who was going to be on the cover. Now my son plays the game, he’s even asked me several times why I was not on it, so I’m really happy now that I am.”

Brazilian icon Ronaldinho feature on the cover of the game’s Legend Edition, which comes with in-game bonuses like an exclusive 3D-scanned 2019 version of Ronaldinho, and Messi on a 10-match loan for myClub mode.

Will there be a demo?

Previous years’ titles have all seen demos a few weeks ahead of release, allowing players to try out the game with a select few teams, and this year’s game is no different.

A free, trial version of PES 2020 is available now on PS4, Xbox One and PC via Steam.

It features Arsenal, Barcelona and Boca Juniors in a line up of 14 licensed teams.

It also includes online gameplay and the edit mode that allows you to tweak the teams as you see fit.

Hot on the heels of a scintillating SummerSlam in August, this month’s WWE pay-per-view event is Clash of Champions.

While not one of WWE’s ‘big four’ PPVs – which often see legends and big name stars return for high-profile bouts – the annual Clash of Champions event often gives us some intriguing match-ups.

That’s because the premise here is that every championship belt in the company is defended on the card.

WWE has introduced a lot of new championships in recent years, which means this year we’re getting nine championship bouts, an exhibition match and the finals of the King of the Ring tournament for a total of 11 bouts.

To get you up to speed if you’re a little bit out of the WWE loop, here’s a rundown of what to expect from this year’s show, which emanates from the Spectrum Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday 15 August.

What matches are on the Clash of Champions 2019 card?

Rollins and Strowman are the unlikely RAW Tag Team Champions heading into this match; one the plucky hero, the other the monstrous big man who’s cheered or jeered depending on whose ambulance he’s flipping over that week.

Their opponents are equally mismatched, which would normally make for a fairly uninteresting bout.

But the intrigue here is that partners Rollins and Strowman are also facing each other on the same night for Rollins’ Universal Championship, the grandest prize in the whole company.

Seth Rollins (c) vs. Braun Strowman – WWE Universal Championship

(Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images)

So depending on what happens in their earlier tag team match, the complexion of this fight could change dramatically.

Will Strowman turn on his partner in the previous match, costing them the tag titles in his quest for the Universal Championship and laying a beatdown on Rollins that puts the champion at a distinct disadvantage later in the night?

Probably.

Rollins has just come out of rollercoaster ride with the Universal Championship: winning it at WrestleMania in April, losing it to Brock Lesnar a few months later, then regaining it off Lesnar a month after that.

Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Randy Orton – WWE Championship

Kingston and Orton have been going at it for a while now, facing each other at SummerSlam in a match that ended with an indecisive count out after Orton attempted to target Kofi’s family at ringside.

They’ve been jumping each other in the weeks following that event, but things took a heated turn when Orton viciously injured Kingston’s New Day team mates and threatened to go after Kingston’s family once again.

Here’s hoping their next match finishes more definitively.

Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sasha Banks – Raw Women’s Championship

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Following her loss to Lynch at SummerSlam last month, Natalya came out to the ring with her arm in a sling but was interrupted by the returning Sasha Banks (not seen since April’s WrestleMania 35).

Banks attacked Natalya, and when Lynch came to Natalya’s aid, Banks rounded on her with a steel chair.

Thus, this match was born.

Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte Flair – SmackDown Women’s Championship

After she knocked off women’s wrestling legend Trish Stratus at SummerSlam, Flair felt she deserved an opportunity for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

She gets her opportunity at Clash of Champions, and despite being the ‘bad guy’ in this match, she’ll be performing in front of a hometown crowd, which should get them on her side.

Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. The Miz – Intercontinental Championship

(Photo: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP/Getty Images)

After months of losing matches, Sami Zayn announced he would be better suited to helping other people and introduced his first client, Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura.

The Miz questioned why Nakamura would associate himself with Zayn, who said that Nakamura was unable to express himself because of the language barrier and that he would communicate for Nakamura.

Miz then received a beatdown from Nakamura and Zayn, and a Clash of Champions match was made.

AJ Styles (c) vs. Cedric Alexander – United States Championship

Promising high-flyer Cedric Alexander has already faced AJ Styles for the United States Championship, but that match ended via disqualification due to interference from Style’s ‘O.C.’ team mates.

Later on the same night, Alexander pinned Styles in a 10-man tag team match, who was then scheduled to defend the title in a rematch against Alexander at Clash of Champions.

The New Day (c) vs. The Revival – SmackDown Tag Team Championship

With the The Revival playing a big role in injuring Kofi Kingston’s New Day team mates alongside Randy Orton, a championship match was made between the two.

After winning the Women’s Tag Team Championship in a fatal four-way tag team elimination match Alexa Bliss and Scotland’s Nikki Cross were challenged for the titles at Clash of Champions by Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.

Initially the challenge was refused, but Rose and Deville managed to beat the champions in a non-title match, earning them number one contendership.

Mexican upstart Humberto Carrillo and Oney Lorcan were the last remaining members of their team in a ‘Captain’s Challenge’ a few weeks ago. Carrillo and Lorcan then faced off in a number one contender’s match to face Gulak which Carrillo won.

The following week, Lince Dorado defeated Carrillo, thus making it a triple threat match for the title.

Reigns has been the victim of multiple backstage attacks in recent weeks (which began with an unknown assailant pushing lighting equipment on top of him), and the finger of blame has been pointed at a number of fellow wrestlers.

Reigns’ own investigating has revealed it was in fact Erick Rowan who instigated the attacks (Rowan and his ally Daniel Bryan have since split due to Rowan’s lying), so now they’re fighting it out.

Pro-wrestling storytelling at its most hackneyed and nonsensical. This is now a No Disqualification match, meaning anything goes.

What time does Clash of Champions 2019 start in the UK?

As usual, it will be a pretty late night for anybody who wants to stay up to watch Clash of Champions live.

Clash of Champion’s ‘Kick Off’ pre-show begins at 11pm on Sunday 15 September, and will be free to view through WWE’s YouTube channel.

It will run for an hour, showcasing a handful of lower-card matches live, and running through the backstories of the matches scheduled for the main show.

Clash of Champions 2019 ‘properly’ kicks off at 12am on Monday 16 September. Previous versions of the annual event have been known to run for up to four hours, so make sure you’re well prepared for a late one.

How can I watch it?

(Photo: AMER HILABI/AFP/Getty Images)

You can actually watch the whole thing for free if you’re a new subscriber to the WWE Network.

The show will be broadcast live on the company’s own streaming service, which costs £9.99 a month or is free for the first month if you’re a new signee.

And if you don’t fancy staying up until the wee hours, you can watch the show on demand at a more convenient hour.

It’s funny how cultural differences can lead to completely opposing views on a subject.

Fire up Rotten Tomatoes‘ page on Downton Abbey‘s big-screen debut, and its 85% approval rating would have you believe it’s the cinematic event of the years the film’s marketing wants you to believe it is.

But that site’s pool of 20 reviews (at the time of writing) comes mainly from US writers, a country that famously goes wild for Downton’s idealised version of aristocratic English life.

Indeed, Empire magazine call the film “England as Americans see it”, and reviews from critics on this side of the pond are far less kind.

Here are what reviewers are saying ahead of Downton’s Friday 13 September release date.

“There are some films that you really have to see on the big screen,” begins Peter Bradshaw’s write-up for The Guardian. “Not this one, though.”

Downton Abbey’s big-screen debut is like “the most intensely glucose and sometimes baffling Christmas special,” says Bradshaw, “structured like any TV episode around a set of concurrent subplots, delivered in a series of little bite sized scenes.

“Every so often you can feel the rhythmic thud of where the ad break would normally go – where it will go, in fact, when this goes to TV.”

That’s not to say the film isn’t enjoyable in Bradshaw’s eyes, who concedes that it’s “at all times ridiculous – but, I have to admit, quite enjoyable.”

Chris Hunneysett’s review for the Mirror reiterates this warning to non-fans of going in cold to the big-screen version of Downton Abbey.

The cast are “so well practised in their roles we’re plunged straight into the story before we’re re-introduced to their characters”, he says.

“Longtime fans will love it and should book their own state visit to Downton straight away.”

Huneysett is one of the few critics to suggest that those not familiar with the format will still find at least some enjoyment, describing Downton Abbey as “a reassuring, warm slice of comfort cinema which will amuse, charm and entertain the most casual of viewers.”

‘Nothing more than an extended Christmas special’ – Clarisse Loughrey, The Independent

The Independent’s scathing, two-star review of Downton Abbey certainly doesn’t see much value in the film, with reviewer Clarisse Loughrey calling it “as weightless as the silk pillows the Crawleys lay their perfectly coiffed heads on each night.”

“You’d be hard-pressed to find any justification for why the ITV series felt compelled to transfer to the big screen,” she says, “beyond the money, that is.

“The film is nothing more than an extended Christmas special with enough of a boost in the budget to afford a couple of extra helicopter shots.

“Take away the nostalgia it’s so viciously feeding on and the whole thing starts to look quite bare.”

Over 100 fires are ravaging the Australian landscape across two of the country’s states, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents.

The east coast has seen more than 130 fires across the states of Queensland and New South Wales, with around a dozen homes already destroyed by the flames approximately 80 miles north and 50 miles south of Brisbane.

The coastal Peregian area is particularly affected; police are investigating whether the fires were started deliberately.

More than 300 firefighters fought back against the fires on Monday, attempting to contain a major front on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

What’s the travel advice for the area?

The location of the fires in Queensland, and New South Wales to the south (Image: Google)

The blazes come as Australia’s ‘fire season’ begins, with the intensity of this year’s infernos leading officials to dub the start of 2019’s season the “worst” on record.

Until recently, Queensland has not had an official bush fire season as fires occurred there infrequently. While drier southern states like New South Wales do have a designated season, it usually runs from October to April.

Evacuation orders are in place, with political leaders urging residents to follow the advice of officials and emergency services. More than 400 people have already been forced from their homes.

Increased temperatures (Australia saw winter heat records broken this year) and little rainfall have led to increasingly dry conditions in the region, raising the risk of fires.

Fires previously ripped through the rainforest areas of Queensland’s south-east over the weekend.

The fires in Peregian were exacerbated by dry, hot conditions and winds of up to 50mph, which blew embers into suburban streets; locals described the scenes as like “raining fire” in videos posted on social media.

For those travelling to the country, the fires could disrupt plans if you’re looking to stay in the affected coastal areas.

The Foreign Office is yet to offer any official advice on the fires, but tourists should check in with local authorities’ advice before travelling.

But Ad Astra won’t simply be another popcorn shifting blockbusters with no brains – it’s got a Latin title meaning “to the stars” for a start.

The film is directed by James Gray, a director with a critically acclaimed filmography that includes work like 2014’s The Immigrant and 2017’s The Lost City of Z; four of his films have competed for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Here’s everything you need to know about it:

What is Ad Astra about?

Ad Astra tells the story of astronaut Roy McBride, who crash-lands back to Earth in a malfunctioning spacecraft at the start of Ad Astra.

But rather than take a break from space travel, McBride is ordered to ascend to the heavens once again, on a mission to the edges of the Solar System to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of humanity on Earth.

That’s because nearly 20 years before the film’s event, McBride’s scientist father Clifford disappeared during a mission to search for advanced extraterrestrial life called the Lima Project.

Clifford is believed to have gone rogue, and had been experimenting with highly classified materials at the time of his disappearance.

If theories are to be believed, his unapproved research could mean all life will be destroyed.

According to the film’s synopsis, Roy’s journey “will uncover secrets that challenge the nature of human existence and its place in the cosmos.”

(Photo: 20th Century Fox)

Who stars in it?

The star of the film is Brad Pitt, who plays Roy McBride, fresh from his starring role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Playing his missing father is veteran actor Tommy Lee Jones (only 17 years Pitt’s senior), while Liv Tyler is Roy’s wife, Eve.

Elsewhere on the cast, Ruth Negga (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) plays Helen Lantos, Donald Sutherland is Colonel Pruitt, and John Finn (The Walking Dead) is Stroud.

Is it any good?

(Photo: 20th Century Fox)

Ad Astra had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in late August, where critics were able to get their eyes on the film for the first time.

The film currently has a healthy approval rating of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, who call it “a visually thrilling journey” that charts “an ambitious course for the heart of the bond between parent and child.”

“This is an intimate family melodrama at hear,” said The Independent. “Thanks to Pitt’s performance and Gray’s delicate direction, it turns into a very moving one.”

Empire magazine called the film “a stunning, sensitive exploration of the space left by an absent parent – and the infinite void of actual space”, while Total Film said Ad Astra is beautiful, bold and remarkably executed; “this is Gray’s masterpiece, driven by a career-best turn from Pitt.

But not everybody was so impressed. The London Evening Standard said “Gravity, Interstellar or even First Man this is not”, while the BBC said the film is “weighed down” by “emotional baggage”.

When can I watch it?

Ad Astra will be released in UK cinemas on 18 September.

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The first is Downton Abbey, a big-screen outing for ITV’s much loved period-drama which continues the story of the well-to-do Crawley family hosting a royal reception for the King and Queen.

The second couldn’t be further from Downton Abbey‘s aristocratic schtick, and if prim and proper lords and ladies isn’t your thing, maybe give Hustlers a try.

A crime comedy-drama, it follows a group of strippers who begin to embezzle money from the stock traders and CEOs who visit their club. Downton Abbey this ain’t.

Here’s everything you need to know about it:

What is Hustlers about?

Inspired by ‘The Hustlers at Scores’, a New York Magazine article by journalist Jessica Pressler that went viral in 2015, Hustlers follows a group of strippers fed up with the Wall Street men who contributed to the financial crisis.

Feeling the effects of the financial downturn as the sex industry bottoms out during the late-2000s, they decided to get revenge by stealing from the men who come to their strip club.

Led by Destiny, an ambitious single mother who’s taken up stripping to support her family, the group lies, steals and “hustles” dozens of wealthy men, aided by Ramona, a veteran stripper who is in on the scam to support herself and fellow strippers who’ve fallen on hard times.

The films is written and directed by Lorene Scafaria – best known for her direction on Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World – and tells its story from the point of view of a journalist interviewing one of the ringleaders.

It’s produced by Will Ferrell, and Anchorman and The Big Short director, Adam McKay.

Who stars in it?

Star of the film is Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians) as Destiny, the stripper who concocts the scheme to scam and rob wealthy men with the help of her fellow dancers.

Alongside her is modern-day pop icon Jennifer Lopez who plays Romana, a role which is earning her rave reviews from critics, who call her performance a career best.

In fact, there are a number of pop stars in Hustlers: both ‘Good as Hell’ singer Lizzo and rapper Cardi B are on the cast as Liz and stripper Diamond respectively.

Making up the rest of the central union of strippers is Keke Palmer (Berlin Station) who plays Mercedes, and Lili Reinhart (Riverdale), who is Annabelle.

Julia Stiles (Riviera) plays Elizabeth, the journalist who is covering the story for a magazine.

Is it any good?

Ahead of the film’s worldwide release, a number of critics have had the chance to get their eyes on the film, and so far, the reaction is good.

The film currently holds an impressive 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes after 20 reviews, and Jennifer Lopez in particular has been catching the eye of reviewers with her performance.

“Blessed with one of the most memorable entrances in recent cinema history,” said The Guardian, “Lopez slinks through Hustlers with a deceptive ease, as in control of the film as her character is of her situation.”

“Move over Wolf of Wall Street,” said Splash Report, “these girls can be just as bad as the guys, and infinitely more charming, in this film with a knock-out performance by Jennifer Lopez,” while What She Said‘s Anne Brodie simply said, “yes, Lopez is THAT good.”

Jennifer Lopez’ puts in a career best performance, one that has her tipped for an Oscar by critics (Photo: STXfilms)

indieWire said the film is “funny, empowering, sexy, emotional, and a bit scary,” with most of those superlatives coming care of a “full-force performance from Jennifer Lopez genuinely deserving of awards consideration.”

When can I watch it?

Hustlers will be released in UK cinemas on 13 September.

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The 2019 Pacific typhoon season has seen 15 storms since the start of the year, six of them powerful enough to be classified as a typhoon. In total, the storms have claimed 181 lives.

Typhoon Faxai is the latest, slamming into the capital Tokyo as a Category 3 storm over the weekend before crossing Central Japan and re-emerging into the Pacific Ocean.

While it has likely done its worst to Japan, the country continues to see unsettled weather and storm conditions, and journeys to the Rugby World Cup may be affected.

What’s the travel advice?

Though the storm is now heading out to sea, strong winds and heavy rainfall are still affecting the west coast of the country, and the Foreign Office has put out some official travel advice for those looking to head to Japan.

“Strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected,” they say, “with potential disruption to transport and other essential services.

“If you are in the affected area, monitor news and follow the advice of the local authorities. If you are due to travel, check with transport operators for changes to schedules.”

Could the storm affect the Rugby World Cup?

Faxai could have an effect on the upcoming Rugby World Cup, due to kick off in Japan at the end of this month.

The hurricane-strength winds and torrential rain forced Australia’s squad to delay their departure from Sydney by at least 24 hours, and the Wallabies’ England counterparts were monitoring developments as they prepared for their overnight flight from Heathrow.

“Once the typhoon comes it’s basically a lockdown,” said England head coach Eddie Jones, who has coached Japan’s national team and several of its clubs, and has a Japanese mother.

“It will affect the World Cup, there is no doubt about it. The issue is that you can’t go outside because everything shuts down. You just have to be able to ride with it and be adaptable.”

England have contingency plans to train indoors, and the tournament organisers have drawn up alternative match venues and training camps in a country accustomed to typhoons and earthquakes.

The pool stage from 20 September to 13 October could be spectacularly skewed by natural causes.

Any cancelled pool match will be counted as a 0-0 draw; there will be no re-scheduling to the following day.

This could mean an expected five-pointer against a minnow country suddenly delivering only two points.

If a pool match kicks off, but is abandoned during the first half, it will be ruled as a draw with teams keeping any scores and bonus points accrued.

If it is abandoned from half-time onwards, the scoreline will stand as the result.

British Airways is attempting to resume service as normal after two days of strikes saw “nearly 100 per cent” of its flights cancelled

The airline had advised passenger snot to go to the airport on 9 and 10 of September as there was “no way of predicting how many [pilots] would come to work or which aircraft they are qualified to fly.”

But as BA’s pilots return to work today, there could still be some major delays for passengers looking to travel with the firm.

“We are working hard to get back to normal and to get our customers to their destinations”, said BA.

“The nature of our highly complex, global operation means that it will take some time to get back to a completely normal flight schedule so there will be a knock-on effect over the next few days.”

BA is urging affected customers to contact them, and say they are offering “all affected customers full refunds or the option to re-book to another date of travel or an alternative airline.”

Passengers who booked flights via a travel agent should contact the agent.

A later pilots’ strike is planned for 27 September, and BA will be in touch with affected customers nearer the time.

Julia Carlisle appeared on the eleventh series of Britain’s Got Talent with her dance group Mersey Girls, a troop of five teenagers who made it through to the final in 2017.

The group is also made up of 19-year-olds Annie and Alice, Rebecca, 18, and 16-year-old Poppy. They finished in fourth place.

Two years after their first run, the Girls are back for Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions tomorrow night (7 September), going up against the likes of Stavros Flatley, Collabro, Ashleigh and Sully, George Sampson, Jai MacDowall and Lost Voice Guy.

What is Julia Carlisle’s story?

Carlisle touched the nation’s hearts when she appeared on BGT, as the dancer suffers from Scoliosis – a curvature of the spine which leaves her in constant pain..

Simon Cowell was so moved by her story, he pledged to pay for her to have surgery on her back.

“Simon came and spoke to us backstage,” Carlisle told the Liverpool Echo. “Just walking off stage and he said he was paying for it and I couldn’t believe it.”

The procedure to realign Carlisle’s spine cost £175,000 – a cost Cowell was more than happy to cover – and required the then 15-year old travel to New Jersey for the pioneering procedure.

Vertebral body tethering was needed to bring her vertebrae into alignment, and involves screws being fixed along the back.

Unlike more commonplace surgery on the NHS, it takes only six weeks to recover from, and can be reversed if the procedure doesn’t take hold.

Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions brings together the world’s most talented and memorable acts from past series of Got Talent. The acts will compete in this supersized version of BGT, all trying to be crowned the ultimate champion and walk away with the cash prize and coveted Champions Trophy.

Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams return to the judging panel as they take their seat ready to be impressed by a whole host of global talent.

Each week, two acts make it through to the grand finale – the first is a Golden Buzzer act chosen by one of the judges or Ant and Dec while the second is voted through by superfans in the arena audience.

Week one saw two acts voted through to the final: Kseniya Simonova, Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer choice and Bello and Annaliese Nock, who got through on the superfan vote.

The funnyman, who has cerebral palsy and uses pre-recorded sentences on a computer for his stand-up act, dazzled the audience and judges in June 2018 with his hilarious routine in the grand final, which saw him poke fun at his disability.

He’s back for Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions tomorrow night (7 September), going up against the likes of Stavros Flatley, Collabro, Ashleigh and Sully, George Sampson, Jai MacDowall and Paul Potts.

But far from just being trotted out for the all-star special series, Lost Voice Guy – real name Lee Ridley – hasn’t been resting on his laurels, and has been busy since he took home the £250k prize.

April of this year saw Ridley’s sitcom Ability return to Radio 4, in which he once again played Matt, who moves out from his parents’ home to share with his best friend from school.

Ridley also appeared on America’s Got Talent: The Champions, although didn’t get any further than the preliminary round; he’ll be hoping to do a lot better come Saturday night.

But despite the fame, Ridley has said he’s found it difficult to cope, telling The Sunday Post, “it’s been quite hard at times – mainly because I don’t have the same amount of time to just switch off and relax.”

“Straight after winning the show, I couldn’t really find any time for myself and that affected my sleeping patterns, but I think I’m starting to become more used to it now.”

Lost Voice Guy won the show last year (Photo: Tom Dymond/Syco/Thames/PA Wire)

Here are some of his best lines:

“When I realised I’d never be able to talk again I was speechless.”

“I have lived in Newcastle all my life, but for some reason I still haven’t picked up the accent!”

“Some of you are trying to figure out where you know me from. Maybe it would help if I started saying phrases such as, ‘the next train to arrive…'”

“I got the train here today. I always like to sit in those seats for disabled people. I was about halfway here when another disabled person got on and asked, me to move. I didn’t realise I’d be playing disabled top trumps when I got on.”

“I hate that we have so many politically correct words to describe disabled people now. It’s all ‘special needs’, ‘special schools’, ‘Special Olympics’. I don’t know what is so special about me, which is why it always alarms me when I hear about special forces going to war!”

“You’re probably wondering what was the best thing about winning this show. Was it the 250 grand prize money, or the chance to perform in front of the royal family? I’d love to answer that question, but according to this new Apple watch it’s time to drive my Porsche to the airport.”

What’s the idea of the show?

Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions brings together the world’s most talented and memorable acts from past series of Got Talent.

The acts will compete in this supersized version of BGT, all trying to be crowned the ultimate champion and walk away with the cash prize and coveted Champions Trophy.

Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams return to the judging panel as they take their seats, ready to be impressed by a whole host of global talent.

Each week, two acts make it through to the grand finale – the first is a Golden Buzzer act chosen by one of the judges or Ant and Dec while the second is voted through by superfans in the arena audience.

Week one saw two acts voted through to the final: Kseniya Simonova, Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer choice and Bello and Annaliese Nock, who got through on the superfan vote.

Ghost Recon Breakpoint is the latest game in the Tom Clancy canon, and the next instalment of the late military author’s sub-series of Ghost Recon titles, which offer tactical combat and slightly more realism than your standard shooter.

Following on from 2017’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, Breakpoint is another open-world game that’s best played online with friends.

It’s due out in 4 October for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One but certain players can try out the game early with the beta period.

How to join the beta

If you want to partake in Ghost Recon Breakpoint’s beta period – used to test important behind-the-scenes tech that will help give the game a smooth online experience – there are two ways of entry.

Those who’ve pre-ordered the game and subscribers to Ubisoft’s Uplay+ service are both guaranteed a slot in the beta.

So if you’re yet to order the game or sign up to Uplay+, you should do so now if you want to take part.

The beta will let you explore a fairly large portion of the game’s map, and also grants players a limited selection of customisation options for your character.

XP is capped at level ten in the beta, wile Gear Level is capped at 40: you’ll also only be able to assign 10 points to your skill tree.

Two main quest missions and three Auroa missions are available in the beta, designed to “offer you a small taste of a much larger and compelling narrative.”.

Alongside those, two procedurally-generated Faction missions will be available in each available province every day.

(Image: Ubisoft)

When is the beta?

The Ghost Recon Breakpoint is live now, and runs until 11am on Monday 9 September.

What can we expect from the full game?

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint (to give the game its full title) can be played entirely solo, or with three friends for four-player co-op.

The game is set on the fictional Pacific Ocean island of Auroa, and you’ll be playing as Nomad, a special forces operative sent to the island to investigate a series of disturbances involving shady military contractor, Skell Tech.

It is an open-world game, meaning there is a massive emphasis on exploration.

As such, you’ll have access to all manner of transport – from cars to boats to helicopters and planes – to help you navigate the expansive island of Auroa.

Despite being set on a solitary, Pacific Ocean island, Auroa is sure to offer a lot of diversity in its environments.

Ubisoft say there will be everything from “the highest fjords and snowy peaks to the deepest swamps”.

You’ll meet different factions – some helpful, some hostile to your presence – as you attempt to work out just how the military contractor company was taken over by nefarious persons.

But there is also a survival element to the game – you won’t just be running about gunning down your enemies – and steep slopes, accumulating injuries, and fatigue are all new challenges for you to tackle.

If you’re wounded in battle, you’ll have to crawl to the safety of cover to heal yourself.

Managing the equipment in your bivouac and fine-tuning your strategies at the camps you set up with your teammates are paramount as Breakpoint goes for some semblance of realism.

And of course, there will be plenty of customisation. “Breakpoint is all about your choice, your way to have fun,” say Ubisoft, and there will be thousands of options to allow you to create the soldier of your choice.

You’ll be able to loot materials to craft and upgrade your weapons with multiple attachment possibilities, and customise your gear in order to adapt your soldier to any situation, and to fit your play style.

When can I play the full game?

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint releases for PC, PS4 and Xbox One on Friday 4 October

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